Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 43 (March 6, 1945)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John Willard Baer (ASN: 0-25684), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 23 December 1944. While he was leading a squadron of fighters in the area of Koblenz, Germany, Captain Baer observed a formation of more than thirty-five FW 190’s and ME 109’s attacking three boxes of B-26’s. Determined to protect the bombers, he directed his squadron in a vigorous assault upon the enemy; and despite their numerical superiority Captain Baer made repeated attacks, and by the force of these assaults nullified the enemy mission. By his unusual aerial proficiency Captain Baer personally accounted for the destruction of two of the thirteen enemy planes destroyed by his squadron. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.